Outdoor notes

The DNR is sponsoring a snowmobile safety class for adults 16 and older on Feb. 7 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the basement of DNR headquarters in Brainerd (1601 Minnesota Drive).

Cost is $10 per person. The class is limited to the first 35 persons who show up. No pre-registration is necessary. After completion of the class, each person will receive his or her snowmobile safety endorsement.

Phone (218) 820-4165 for more information.

FWLA sets legislative priorities for coming year

The Fish and Wildlife Legislative Alliance has set its priorities for this year's session of the Minnesota Legislature. The FWLA, headquartered in St. Paul, is active in promoting hunting and fishing interests statewide. Among the agenda items for 2002 are:

-- Support DNR's recommendation designating the remaining 102,000 acres of Con-Con lands in three Northwestern counties as Wildlife Management Areas;

-- Support a constitutional amendment providing for the dedication of current sales tax for wildlife, fisheries, ecological services, and enforcement activities within the DNR;

-- Support adequate funding through bonding for wildlife, fisheries, ecological services programs as outlined in the MEP "Healthy Waters Campaign;"

-- Support legislation increasing penalties for the taking of over limits of game and fish;

Hastings artist wins turkey stamp design contest

Rebecca Latham, a Hastings artist, will have her design featured on Minnesota's 2003 wild turkey stamp.

Latham's design was chosen from among 24 entries at the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) state convention Jan. 25 at the Kahler Hotel in Rochester. Eleven entries advanced to the second stage of judging, from which seven finalists were chosen.